February lacrosse may be cold to the bones but has been pleasing to the eye. Offenses are humming and playing at a very high level. There has been no shortage of drama with several games going into overtime. All perfect fodder for the first Tuesday Takeaways of 2014.

What Happened: Virginia moved to 3-0

Takeaway: A year removed from a 7-8 campaign, the Wahoos have won all three of their games by one goal. The 2013 Cavaliers were 1-3 in one-goal games, so this team is finding a way to win. So what’s changed? For one, there is some stability in the goal. Freshman Matt Barrett seems to be getting stronger with each game. In Virginia’s most recent win, an 11-10 decision over Drexel, Barrett stopped 16 Dragon shots, including several big stops late. Second, the EMO is sizzling, converting at a rate of 75%. James Pannell and Mark Cockerton have become a formidable one-two punch on the attack. Areas of concern? Virginia has surrendered big leads in all three of the contests; they need to learn how to close teams out minus the drama. Keep in mind UVa started 2013 4-0, so while the hot start has been positive a lot of challenges still await.

Up next: Syracuse-Albany thriller

What Happened: Syracuse edges Albany in OT 17-16

Takeaway: All you can really say is ‘WOW!’ In what has become an early-season treat both teams did not disappoint, displaying athleticism and highlight-reel plays that are usually reserved until at least mid-season. Looking at the score you might think all sizzle, no steak, but that isn’t the case. Both teams shot efficiently (Syracuse 39%, Albany 33%) and did not waste possessions or turn the ball over carelessly. Syracuse was playing its second game, Albany their first. In fact, the Great Danes had not practiced for three days prior to the game due to heavy snow at their facility. They are fearless and unchained offensively, so fun to watch. They look improved defensively as well, with a tenacious riding game to go along with the flair.

The Orange are deep and dangerous on offense. New addition Randy Staats has shown he fits in just fine, dropping five goals and adding two assists while playing both attack and midfield. Dylan Donohue has 11 goals in two games, showing more carrying ability and being fed primarily by linemate Kevin Rice, who now has 10 assists on the young campaign. In goal Syracuse is incorporating a platoon with Dom Lamolinara and Bobby Wardwell. Defensively the Orange ‘held’ Lyle Thompson to one goal on only four shots (he did have five assists) using a mix of Brandon Mullins and some zone schemes. Bottom line on both: believe the hype. These teams can play and are both contenders for Championship Weekend.

Up next: Duke over Denver

What Happened: Duke beat Denver 14-10

Takeaway: At 2-0 in early February, should the Blue Devils cancel any plans for an eigth straight Championship Weekend? Aren’t the Dukies supposed to stink this time of year? The defending National Champions are now 2-0 after topping a very good Denver team. A big question for Duke entering ’14 is who will score from the midfield? This is a team that said goodbye to 88 goals in the form of David Lawson, Josh Offit, and Jake Tripucka. The early answer is Deemer Class, Myles Jones, and Christian Walsh. The trio combined for seven scores against the Pioneers. In addition to being good players, these three are aided by one of the top attack units in the nation. Having Jordan Wolf, Josh Dionne, and Case Matheis to defend certainly makes defenses have to respect their prowess, opening things up a bit up top for the Duke midfield.

Bonus Takeaway: Despite heavy losses to graduation of its own this Denver team remains very potent on offense. Newcomers Jack Bobzien and Zach Miller have fit in very well and are special talents, joining stud returners Wesley Berg, Eric Adamson, and a healthier Jeremy Noble. The issue with the Pioneers continues to be on the defensive side. Granted, playing Duke in Durham early season is a challenge, but if Denver wants to make a run at a National Championship, which they are capable of doing, the defense has to cut down on the fouls and make key stops later in games.

Up next: Loyola beats Penn State

What Happened: Loyola over Penn State, 12-11, in overtime

Takeaway: Much like Duke, Loyola was hit hard in the midfield by graduation. Chris Layne, Davis Butts, and Sean O’Sullivan combined for 40 scores in 2013. Add in the subtraction of Mike Sawyer and Zach Herreweyers on attack and that total jumps to a staggering 95 goals gone from a year ago. Against the Nittany Lions the Greyhounds got a combined eight goals from the midfield. Jeff Chase (3), Tyler Albrecht (3), Brian Sherlock (1), and Kevin Ryan (1) all tickled the twine. While Loyola doesn’t have the depth of Duke’s attack they do feature one of the best in the business in Justin Ward. The senior is the unquestioned leader of the Greyhound offense, dishing out four helpers against Penn State. A lot of credit also has to go to second-year offensive coordinator Dave Metzbower. Defensively, goalie Jack Runkel played very well, stopping 12 shots, including five in the fourth period and one in overtime. His consistent play is a key for the Hounds in 2014.

Up next: Notre Dame rolls at Moe's

What Happened: Notre Dame ‘Moes’ down Jacksonville, 19-7

Takeaway: The new-look Irish made short work of the Dolphins in their 2014 debut. Participating in the Moe’s Southwest Grille Lacross Classic in Jacksonville, Notre Dame came out with an early intensity and energy that had been absent late in 2013. It started with face-man Liam O’Connor, who went 9-10 in the first quarter as the Irish jumped to an 8-1 lead. His work allowed the Notre Dame offense to build a 12-3 halftime lead with 10 different scorers and a 36-7 advantage in shots. The unit looked relaxed and confident. With a full season under his belt, attackman Matt Kavanagh represents a dodging threat from the attack that Notre Dame has not had the last couple years. His presence changes the way the Irish attack as well as how teams will defend Notre Dame. Jacksonville is an improved, athletic team but the Irish was faster, tougher, and looked to be on a different level.

Up next: UMass outlasts Ohio State

What Happened: UMass outlasts Ohio State in OT

Takeaway: The precocious Minutemen came out confident, dominated face-offs, and executed efficiently on offense in the night cap of the Moe’s Southwest Grill Lacrosse Classic. Sporting a starting lineup featuring six freshmen and sophomores, this year’s edition looks more like Puppies than Gorillas. But the youngsters play beyond their years and are fun to watch. Whenever you have young players leadership is needed, and UMass has it. Junior SSDM Ryan Izzo is a pitbull and ferocious between the lines. He defines the grit that is UMass lacrosse. Middies Connor Mooney and Matt Whippen are a pair of seniors who set the tone and dodge hard. Their play and example allows teammates such as freshman Nick Mariano to score four goals and play with a ton of confidence. Anchoring it all is netminder Zach Oliveri, a talented sophomore with good technique and quick hands. His save at the end of regulation and two stops in overtime were brilliant and clutch. Bottom line: UMass has all the tools to compete for the AQ in the CAA.

Bonus Takeaway: The Buckeyes are now 0-2, struggling mightily in the specialty areas of man-up offense and face-offs. Ohio State is now 0-9 on the EMO in 2014. Failure to convert on this front is lethal to any team, let alone a club that cannot get consistent possessions. Ohio State has only won 25% of their faceoffs thus far. While everyone talks about the loss of Logan Schuss and Domnique Alexander, the biggest void for the Buckeyes is the absence of graduated face-off man Trey Wilkes. Wilkes won 58% in 2013, giving this unique offense plenty of touches. Ohio State is playing way too much defense at this stage and needs to find a way to get to around 40%.

Next: Bryant stuns Bucknell

What Happened: Bryant stuns Bucknell

Takeaway: I had the opportunity to cover Bryant last season in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I walked away very impressed with their poise, hustle, and overall talent. All three were on display in a big 12-9 win over a very good Bucknell team. The Bulldogs won the faceo-ff and goaltending battles, as Kevin Massa went 15-24 at the square, chipped in a goal, and Gunner Waldt made 16 saves. The combination of extra touches and defensive stops is tough to beat when a team can play make it take it lacrosse. On a day when Bryant’s most dangerous dodger Colin Dunster was held scoreless, a win over Bucknell is pretty special.

Up next: Marquette's big win over Hofstra

What Happened: Marquette tops Hofstra

Takeaway: A great victory for the Warriors in their second year of competition. This 11-9 win was particularly sweet considering the connection between the programs. Marquette head coach Joe Amplo played his college ball in Hempstead and served as an assistant coach for the Pride for 10 years, and assistant coach John Orsen is also a former Hofstra player. This Marquette team is in the midst of a brutal seven-game road stretch to open the regular season, a monumental task for any team, let alone one in only its second year of play. This follows two road scrimmages (High Point, Michigan) to boot. One player to keep an eye on is LSM Liam Byrnes. Against Hofstra, the Long Island native was all over place, causing four turnovers and collecting five groundballs.

Mark Dixon covers lacrosse for the ESPN Networks and Inside Lacrosse. "Takeaways' will run every week throughout the season. Follow him on Twitter @DixonLacrosse.